Here’s a classic American Biscuits recipe that yields light, flaky, and buttery biscuits—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or serving with gravy.
Ingredients
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
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1 tbsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
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1 tsp salt
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6 tbsp (85g) cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
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3/4 cup (180ml) cold buttermilk (*or whole milk + 1 tsp vinegar*)
Instructions
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Prep: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar (if using), and salt.
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Cut in butter: Add cold butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
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Add buttermilk: Pour in cold buttermilk and stir gently with a fork until just combined (do not overmix—dough should be slightly sticky).
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Shape dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface, gently pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle, and fold it over itself 2-3 times for flaky layers.
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Cut biscuits: Press or roll dough to ¾-inch thickness. Use a floured biscuit cutter (or glass) to cut into rounds. Avoid twisting the cutter to help biscuits rise evenly.
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Bake: Place biscuits close together on the baking sheet (for softer sides) or spaced apart (for crispier edges). Bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
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Serve warm: Brush with melted butter if desired.
Related: Butter Swim Biscuits
Tips for Perfect Biscuits
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Keep ingredients cold (especially butter and buttermilk) for maximum flakiness.
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Don’t overwork the dough—this keeps it tender.
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No buttermilk? Mix 3/4 cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice/vinegar; let sit 5 mins.
